Good Skin Doesn't Happen Overnight: What To Do Before The Prom

March 29th, 2014

For a pristine complexion, you’ll need to plan accordingly!

Good skin doesn’t happen overnight. Did you read that thoroughly? Go back and read it again. It’s important you learn this now! Your skin is a reflection of both your mental and physical health as well as the products that you’re putting on and taking off of it on a daily basis. That means you’ll want to nourish your face and body as best you can for as long as you can before prom, when all the cameras (and camera phones) will be snapping! To get you on a proper schedule, we consulted A-List facialist Joanna Vargas, who regularly treats the likes of Ashley Greene and Karlie Kloss. Start marking your planners now for a pristine complexion!

Four Weeks Before Prom:

“Get serious about what you eat!” Vargas says. “Junk food causes breakouts, so try to eat more vegetables and fruits.” In fact, it turns out an apple a day does more than ward off doctors—it also may help with your acne. “Apples keep the digestive system healthy, which helps clear the skin,” Vargas explains. If you have a hard time getting your daily dose of fruits and veggies, she recommends taking a shot of liquid chlorophyll in the mornings. You can buy it at your local health store or Whole Foods!

It’s around this time that you should be more diligent with your beauty routine, too. “My favorite scrub for teens is Eminence Organics Citrus Exfoliating Face Wash,” she says. “It’s important to be exfoliating at least twice week.” However, there’s one caveat: “If you’re having trouble with breakouts, scrubs can actually spread bacteria all over the face and make the situation worse. Opt for a mask instead.” Her own formulation contains great ingredients like lactic acid and volcanic rock to shed layers and detox the pores.

Two Weeks Before:

“After your twice-weekly exfoliation, incorporate a mask,” Vargas says. She recommends a calming formula, like Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Mask. “Another idea is to make you down calming mask with yogurt, honey, and strawberries!” she adds.

One Week Before:

“This is the perfect time for a full body exfoliation to really get glowing,” Vargas says. She recommends Eminence Organics Coconut Sugar Scrub, or “you can DIY a special formula using almond oil and brown sugar!”

The Night Before:

“Do one last beauty mask! And remember: Nothing compares to a good night’s sleep. Get lots of rest.”

The Morning Of:

“Keep the skin clean and product free in the morning! Just let it rest.” If you’re headed to school, skip makeup altogether. The last thing you need is a bump to appear right before picture time!

Getting Ready:

“Before you start your makeup, use a simple moisturizer. Make sure you put it all over, and even use an eye cream.” This is a great time for a tried-and-true classic, like Clinique DDML+, our Beauty Award winner! Once your foundation is applied and your makeup’s all done, “Give your skin a spritz of rose water. It’s hydrating and helps to set the makeup.” We love BeautyCounter’s super-refreshing formula.

After Prom:

“Don’t forget to wash your face really well!” Vargas insists. “You can use your same cleanser, or even Cetaphil! Use anything that will take off all your makeup without leaving a residue. Your skin needs to repair and rest while you sleep!”